OFFER

The magnificent 2014 Bollinger La Grande Annee: 98 points from Vinous

2014 Bollinger La Grande Annee is a great buy. “Truly magical” is how Antonio Gallonio describes it, rating it 98 points and putting it above the renowned 2008 and 2002 vintages of this wine. The 2014 is nevertheless the cheapest vintage of La Grande Annee on the market, at just £490 per 6 in bond. This outstanding wine is starting to drink superbly now it is ten years old.

Bollinger‘s success in 2014 is all the more impressive given that the vintage proved challenging for some producers. The summer of 2014 was cooler than other recent vintages. This played into the hands of those such as Bollinger who favour a fuller style. In 2014, Bollinger used Pinots from the north-facing Montagne de Reims village of Verzenay for a substantial proportion of the blend, giving extra tension and vibrancy to the wine. 2014 is a fine, exceptionally nuanced La Grande Annee. Its lively acidity balances the characteristic richness of the house style.

La Grande Annee is only made in top years and always comes exclusively from premier and grand cru grapes. The 2014 is a blend of 61% Pinot Noir, mainly from Verzenay and Ay, and 39% Chardonnay, largely from Chouilly and Oiry. As always, the base wine was vinified in small oak barrels. The wine then sees a long lees ageing lasting more than twice the requirement of the appellation. The wine is riddled and disgorged by hand.

This magnificent La Grande Annee from Bollinger is exceptionally well priced. It comes highly recommended.